I have been flying with electronic controls since 1991 and hang the typical RC transmitter on my hip. Everything is done by feel and flaps and retracts are done with the toggle switches. Put some heat shrink tubing on the toggle switches, that allows to you find it easier when doing it by feel.
I have now switched to the Tactic 650 2.4 Ghz transmitter which has lots of programming available that I use quite a bit and works great.
I have found that I like the light stunt type handle best and let the right hand fly the model while the left hand controls the electronics.
Also - remember that the transmitters have a lot more programming for end point adjustment and other features compared to the RC car transmitters.
Fred Cronenwett